It Was a Hot Rusty Summer

Walking through your garden or along a trail you notice several fuzzy bumblebees buzzing around patches of flowers. You stop to watch them bumble from flower to flower, when you notice one that looks a little different; a distinctive black band between its wings and a hint of orange edged by yellow on the black abdomen … could it be? Yes, a Rusty-patched Bumblebee!

This summer wraps up an incredible season for the federally endangered Rusty-patched Bumblebee. Sightings of the bees were posted on social media from all over the area. The Great Lakes region is considered a stronghold for Rusty-patched Bumblebee populations and McHenry County has had numerous Rusty-patched sightings on both private and public lands.

Rusty-patched Bumblebees were documented on three TLC sites this summer (near Harvard, Woodstock and Bull Valley). They were also documented at two TLC easement sites and one Conservation@Home participant’s home. A Hot Rusty Summer indeed! In the past, Rusty-patched Bumblebees have been seen at other TLC sites and easements; a big win to have these areas that support this endangered bee protected forever!

You can support Rusty-patched Bumblebees in your own yard by planting native flowers and grasses. If you want ideas or help on how to create habitat for pollinators and wildlife, sign up for our Conservation@Home program!